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Eagle Point Council looks at many different issues

Eagle Point continues to run like the proverbial well-oiled machine, as evidenced at the City Council meeting on May 28. The oil is a group of people who do their job consistently and well.

Much happens behind the scenes in any organization, and a city is no exception. On a night when most folks slept, Public Works Director Robert Miller and his crew dealt with the effects of a power outage on the Bellerive Pumping Station. As a result of some late-night work, no one experienced any water problems, and Miller discovered a few needed adjustments. Likewise, when auditors conducted their preliminary review of Eagle Point’s finances, the resulting report rang with comments of excellence, not pages of problems, thanks to Finance Officer Melissa Owens.

The city has wanted to address pedestrian and bicycle needs for some time, but has lacked the funds to do so. Principal Planner Mike Upston reported that a grant is available through ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation), and he has taken the initial steps to procure funds. One requirement is City Council approval, which they readily gave. Eagle Point is required to do an 11% match, which will mostly be accomplished through staff time, thus causing little out-of-pocket expense. Upston also announced that it’s a go for a clubhouse at EPHS for locker rooms and coaches’ offices.

Rob Miller spoke to needs on Loto Street, and the Council authorized him to enter into contract with H2 Construction to fill in missing sidewalk segments and setup for future lighting.

Eagle Point Community Association’s representative Leon Sherman asked for help with the Fourth of July activities. The association consists of less than a dozen women and men who labor long and hard on the Independence Day celebration, bringing Santa to town and putting on the Easter egg hunt. Eagle Point has a long-reaching reputation for its Fourth of July parade and fireworks. Folks, about 5,000 strong, come from all over the region, from California and Washington and even Canada. Mayor Bob Russell added, “And Japan some years.” Councilor Ruth Jenks said, “I tell everybody that Eagle Point has the best little parade on Earth.” Sherman said they dipped into reserves last year, and if they don’t get extra help this year, there likely won’t be a celebration next year. They depend on monies from the fun run, booths and private donations. Without hesitation the Council agreed to give $11,000.

The city administrative staff puts in long hours to accomplish a great deal for the community. They are trained in their respective fields, and periodically attend continuing education classes. City Recorder Cindy Hughes is on her way to such a seminar to keep her certification current.

Mayor Russell thanked everyone for good work and a smooth-running budget meeting last week. The budget committee will present the document at a Public Hearing on June 11, the same night as the next scheduled City Council meeting.